Winter damage

Discussion in 'Outdoor Gardening in the Pacific Northwest' started by jbutts, Feb 17, 2009.

  1. jbutts

    jbutts Member

    Messages:
    22
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Burnaby Canada
    I have two Euphorbias, not the giant shrub-type, but about 12" and 18" tall. I think one might be "Tiny Tim". Both are quite blackened, but the larger (not TT) has one new red tip, and the other just looks "not quite dead". My question is, can I cut these down to the ground so I'll get all new green growth?

    Thanks,
    J
     
  2. Ron B

    Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years

    Messages:
    21,250
    Likes Received:
    786
    Location:
    WA USA (Z8)
    Cutting back will not cause new growth. Better to leave them alone and wait to see what they do when it warms up. After new tops are well underway the old stuff can be cut.
     
  3. jbutts

    jbutts Member

    Messages:
    22
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Burnaby Canada
    But the new tips will be on the end of the old black-leaved stems. Or am I missing something...?

    J
     
  4. K Baron

    K Baron Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    1,031
    Likes Received:
    2
    Location:
    North Vancouver, B.C., Canada
    I would hold off until late March, when the temperatures rise (which we sorely need here), and the new growth can be determined better by then.
     
  5. jbutts

    jbutts Member

    Messages:
    22
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Burnaby Canada
    Thanks, Ron and Karen, I'll ignore the eyesore and put my pruners away.

    J
     
  6. Ron B

    Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years

    Messages:
    21,250
    Likes Received:
    786
    Location:
    WA USA (Z8)
    I'd expect most renewal to come from the crown rather than the tips.
     

Share This Page